PM pushes railway modernization to spur economic, industrial growth

• PM Shehbaz tresses sustainable infrastructure and freight expansion for economic growth

• Emphasizes ML-1 and ML-3 projects to enhance connectivity and mineral transport and boost regional trade

• Under digital transformation, mobile apps, cashless ticketing and Wi-Fi rolled out at stations, PM told

• Directs practical steps to improve access to low-cost housing finance under ‘housing for all’

• Says Public-Private Partnerships and investment trusts to support affordable housing under PPP and REITs initiatives

• Says rail modernization and housing reforms aimed at industrial growth and public welfare

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday underlined the need to rebuild Pakistan’s railway infrastructure on sustainable foundations to support economic and industrial growth. He said modernizing the railway system is a key component of national policy aimed at enhancing regional trade and connectivity.

The prime minister chaired a meeting of the Pakistan Railways steering committee at the PM House, which was attended by Ahad Khan Cheema, Hanif Abbasi, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Bilal Azhar Kayani, and relevant senior officials, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت پاکستان ریلویز کی اسٹیئرنگ کمیٹی کا اجلاس

وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ ملکی معاشی اور صنعتی ترقی کے لیے ملک بھر کے ریلوے انفراسٹرکچر کی پائیدار بنیادوں پر تعمیرِ نو کرنے کی ضرورت ہے۔موجودہ علاقائی صورتحال کے تناظر میں ایندھن کی بچت کے حوالے سے اشیاء… pic.twitter.com/EN0qRQqDF7

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 18, 2026

Addressing the participants, the prime minister emphasised that Pakistan Railways serves as the backbone of the country’s economy and communication network. He directed authorities to upgrade freight facilities, noting that in the current regional context, rail-based cargo transport is essential for fuel efficiency and the smooth movement of goods.

Officials briefed the meeting on ongoing reforms in Pakistan Railways, reporting that freight services are expected to grow by 21 percent this year. Work on the Karachi–Rohri section of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project is underway with support from the Asian Development Bank, with engineering design, environmental field surveys, and land acquisition processes currently in progress.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت پاکستان ریلویز کی اسٹیئرنگ کمیٹی کا اجلاس

وزیراعظم کی پاکستان ریلویز کو مال برداری (Freight) کی سہولیات اپ گریڈ کرنے کی ہدایت۔

اجلاس کو آگاہ کیا گیا کہ تھر ریل کنیکٹیویٹی منصوبے پر 57 فیصد کام مکمل ہو چکا ہے۔ مین لائن تھری کے روہڑی-نوکنڈی… pic.twitter.com/Uup1JJIdM4

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 18, 2026

Participants were further informed that 57 percent of the Thar rail connectivity project has been completed. The upgradation of the Rohri–Nokundi section of Main Line-3 (ML-3) was described as a crucial initiative for transporting minerals from Balochistan, with a design consultant already hired and the PC-1 finalized.

The meeting also reviewed progress on digitalisation within Pakistan Railways, including the introduction of mobile applications, cashless ticketing, and free Wi-Fi at stations. Additionally, freight management systems, digital weighing bridges, and rolling stock tracking have enhanced the efficiency, transparency, and quality of freight services.

PM orders swift action to improve housing finance for the public

In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to take practical steps to ensure effective access to housing finance for the common people. He highlighted that providing housing for low-income groups, promoting affordable housing projects—including private-sector participation—and improving public facilities are top government priorities.

The prime minister was speaking while chairing a meeting on matters related to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Works at the PM House.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت وفاقی وزارتِ ہاؤسنگ اینڈ ورکس کے امور پر اجلاس

اجلاس میں وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ کم آمدنی والے طبقے کے لیے رہائش کی فراہمی، سستے گھروں کے منصوبے بشمول نجی شعبے کی حوصلہ افزائی اور عوامی سہولیات کی بہتری ہماری ترجیحات میں شامل ہیں۔

اجلاس کو… pic.twitter.com/6PLnHxsG8p

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 18, 2026

During the session, officials presented the ministry’s strategic roadmap, noting that reforms are being made to the tax structure for the construction sector.

“Consultations between the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the provinces are ongoing regarding tax standardisation for the construction industry, while discussions on draft reforms concerning housing mortgages are also underway,” the meeting was informed.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت وفاقی وزارتِ ہاؤسنگ اینڈ ورکس کے امور پر اجلاس

اجلاس کو بتایا گیا کہ تعمیرات کے شعبے کے حوالے سے ٹیکس اسٹرکچر میں اصلاحات کی جا رہی ہیں۔ ہاؤس مورگیج کے حوالے سے اصلاحات کے مسودے پر بھی مشاورت جاری ہے۔ اجلاس کو آگاہ کیا گیا کہ پبلک پرائیویٹ… pic.twitter.com/mh8ImFRCuq

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 18, 2026

Officials added that a framework is being prepared for constructing homes for low-income groups under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements. A Real Estate Regulatory Authority will also be established to regulate the real estate and housing sectors.

Regarding housing finance, the ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Finance, FBR, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and provincial governments to promote Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) as a tool to improve access for the public.

The meeting was attended by Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Riaz Pirzada, Shaza Fatima, Rana Sanaullah, Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other senior government officials.